exploratorium

Exhibits

Magnetic Clouds

"Clouds" of iron particles dart and dance in a magnetic field.

Where:   Gallery 2: Tinkering
Exhibit Developer:   Shawn Lani, 1995
Subjects:
Phenomena: Electromagnetic Forces, Fluid Mechanics, Turbulent Flow, Ferromagnetism
Keywords: magnet, magnetic field

More to explore
Field Trip Chaperone Guide: Exploring Magnets
Based on third-grade NGSS standards; appropriate for grades 2–5
A science activity that makes the patterns of a magnetic field visible
Magnetic Lines of Force
Iron filings trace out magnetic field lines in three dimensions.
Iron Science Teacher: Oil
Fast forward to minute 22 for instructions for making a ferrofluid.

Related exhibits
Magnetic Fluid Patterns

A magnet's force gathers and disperses a magnetic fluid in dynamic patterns.

Black Sand

Get your hands into magnetic sand.

Circles of Magnetism

Electricity moving in a wire makes a circular magnetic field.

Strange Attractor

Magnets transfer energy back and forth, making the pendulum swing in unpredictable ways.